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Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua Comparison - Dog breed selector: Malinois or Alsatian wolf dog or Csivava? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua" Compare Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd. Which is better: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chihuahua?
 
 
 
Name Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Chihuahua
OriginsBelgium flagBelgium Germany flagGermany Mexico flagMexico
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank44232
Reviews102117
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua breeds.
Malinois Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Csivava
Chihuahueño
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 4 pounds (2 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chihuahua? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) 6-9 inches (15-23 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) 7.5 inches (19 cm)

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1200-$1400 $800-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chihuahua?
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which breed ranks highest?
Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which is easiest to train?
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most alert?
Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most protective?
Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua? Compare temperaments.
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Quick
Devoted
Lively
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Chihuahua dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua?
Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua social needs comparison:
Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Belgian Malinois dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Chihuahua dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most playful?
The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Belgian Malinois indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most flexible?
Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Chihuahua dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chihuahua?
Belgian Malinois dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which uses mouth most during play?
Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Chihuahua bite force: Weak.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which has fewer health issues?
The Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Collapsed Trachea
Heart Murmurs
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hydrocephalus
Hypoglycemia
Shivering

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most active?
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Chihuahua dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chihuahua? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chihuahua?
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Chihuahua dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which needs most food?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. What colors are available?
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Fawn
Chocolate
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which drools least?
The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Weather-resistant
Straight
Fuzzy Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which requires most frequent baths?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chihuahua? Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal.
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Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which is best with kids?
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Chihuahua dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chihuahua? Which dog is more friendly?
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chihuahua?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chihuahua?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua?
Yes
Belgian Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Chihuahua dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Belgian Malinois is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Chihuahua is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Chihuahuas are not recommended for elderly people.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which has best nose work ability?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chihuahua Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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